House, Senate override Baker's vetoes on North Shore projects

Wednesday

Legislators have overturned a number of the governor's vetoes in the state budget, effectively restoring funding for a number of projects around the North Shore.

Gov. Charlie Baker signed the $41.2 billion bill on July 19, making Massachusetts the final state in the country to have a budget in place. In doing so, he also vetoed nearly $50 million in funds earmarked for special projects in public safety, economic development and public libraries.

Some of those projects include $100,000 for an ADA-compliant fishing platform at Endicott Park in Danvers; $150,000 for repairs to the Salem Public Library; $75,000 for an elevator at Topsfield Town Hall; and $200,000 for a police station in Beverly.

The Legislature had until July 31 to consider Baker's vetoes and budget amendments.

As of Monday evening, both the House and Senate approved the overrides of a number of the governor's vetoes, including the aforementioned projects in Danvers, Salem, Topsfield and Beverly.

Baker's signature on July 19 came eight days after Sen. Joan Lovely, D-Salem, announced the Senate agreed to the fiscal year 2019 budget, two weeks after the July 1 start of the fiscal year. He had 10 days to review the bill before signing it.

Overall, the budget increases spending in fiscal 2019 by 3.2 percent and makes investments in education, substance abuse treatment and economic development, reported the State House New Service.

The budget also represents an increase of $37.2 million in unrestricted local aid, in addition to funding for a number of local projects on the North Shore.

"Overall, this budget maintains and builds on our commitment to invest in our communities, in education, in small business, and in our health and human service programs," Baker said after signing the bill.

Matt Murphy of the State House News Service contributed to this report.